[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

122 STAT. 5346

 
PROCLAMATION 8286--SEPT. 8, 2008



Proclamation 8286 of September 8, 2008
Patriot Day, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
September 11, 2001, was etched into America's memory when 19 terrorists
attacked us with barbarity unequaled in our history. On Patriot Day, we
cherish the memory of the thousands of innocent victims lost, extend our
thoughts and prayers to their families, and honor the heroic men and
women who risked and sacrificed their lives so others might survive.
Since 9/11, we have recognized the threat posed by terrorists to the
safety of the American people and worked to protect our homeland by
fighting terrorists abroad. We are confronting terrorism by advancing
freedom, liberty, and prosperity as an alternative to the ideologies of
hatred and repression. Our Nation pays tribute to our courageous men and
women in uniform serving around the world and the devoted members of our
law enforcement, public safety, and intelligence communities at home who
work night and day to protect us from harm and preserve the freedom of
this great Nation.
Seven years ago, ordinary citizens rose to the challenge, united in
prayer, and responded with extraordinary acts of courage, with some
giving their lives for the country they loved. On Patriot Day, we
remember all those who were taken from us in an instant and seek their
lasting memorial in a safer and more hopeful world. We must not allow
our resolve to be weakened by the passage of time. We will meet the test
that history has given us and continue to fight to rid the world of
terrorism and promote liberty around the globe.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89),
the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as ``Patriot
Day.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2008, as Patriot Day. I call
upon the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, as well as appropriate officials of all units of government, to
direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Patriot Day. I also call
upon the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with
appropriate ceremonies, activities, and remembrance services, to display
the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day, and to observe a
moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor
the innocent Americans and people from around the world who lost their
lives as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
GEORGE W. BUSH